8 Film Photography Hacks and Tips

[@NathanFilms22]

Willem stocking more film than food in his fridge during this quarantine is exactly the kind of inspiration I need right now

[@WillemVerb]

Gonna have to start eating the portra soon

[@MikeLikesChannel]

Those pictures of the kitchen and living room wall will be awesome!

[@jimi3314]

@@WillemVerb ahhh so the ISO value doubles as the caloric value...tight.

[@natebot321]

@@jimi3314 Oh so that's why Lomo 800 has been sold out? Makes sense.

[@AbduStudio]

@@WillemVerb Those expired slides look delicious as well. Can't wait to see that video

[@StevenSchultz]

The photo of that house with the snow flurries in front of it is stunning. Definitely need a print of that!! Killer work dude!

[@KelsomaticPDX]

Same! I pre-ordered the book but I want that shot as a print.

[@Oelgo]

For everyone who's useing a camera without automatic film threading (lever-operated SLR an RF): Always put in the film end FIRST into the wind-up spool and then insert the cartridge into it's place - it's much more easy this way round and saves your film from to much pre-exposure. This was the way the pro's handeled it for decades, while every camera manufacturer kept to teach it wrong within their manuals...

[@chipsandgravy8745]

That first tip about wetting one roll to get the other one out is the best advice I've ever received in my life. Thank you so much, saved me so much money lol.

[@erika4228]

can you please do a video on how you got into film photography, what inspired you and any tips for beginners? Love your work!

[@KodakBoy]

Finally some good entertainment to fill the lonely and incredibly boring time in quarantine

[@miaguzman6576]

Keep it up...u have inspired me to start photography..being 16 it is a great hobby and relieves stress from school ..thank uuuu😊

[@clifflee5802]

everybody gangsta till my roommate try to eat my film at 3 a.m.

[@gracehughes7617]

eye-

[@jeneva]

boiii I clicked so fast lol During this quarantine, I basically watched all your videos. Used to work in a dark room but I let it go years ago, just ordered a brand new canonet rangefinder and going to get back into film because of you! Thanks for the inspo and love the content :)

[@WillemVerb]

That means a ton! Thank you :))

[@bobsykes]

Wow, the tip about pulling the leader of a 135 roll is amazing! I wish I had known that back when 35mm was all that I shot. Thanks again for the entertainment and education while we're all staying safe at home. You take care, too!

[@KodakBoy]

Would love to see a video by Willem where he shoots an entire roll of nothing but self portraits indoors Hell I would even pay 💰

[@WillemVerb]

Might have to secure the bag

[@pcls-tech]

With flash 📸

[@foreveryoung4276]

can’t tell that from your nickname

[@willfranco2951]

I’m a starting film photographer, I really appreciate you.

[@KodakBoy]

willfrank_ 699 welcome to the film photography community 📸

[@miahefner1238]

Welcome to the addiction that is film. It will take all your money but it will make you very happy 😂💜

[@willfranco2951]

I Hate Photographers thank you, I’m very excited.

[@willfranco2951]

Mia Hefner 😂 I cant wait

[@tomashudak3641]

Every video you upload is just so good in content and quality ! Love your videos ! ❤️

[@farbentwickler]

I would be super interested in more book recommendations about (film-)photography!

[@GracieBelleCollins]

I have watched just about all your videos on this topic and I am now obsessed with film.

[@vanja446]

Giving tips - meaning u made a big step from start. Sharing experience - thank u for that!

[@afiqcool8133]

BEEP!! William: "dude come on" 😂😂😂😂😂😂👍🏻

[@mnltphts]

Thank you for the helpful advice! I’ll be keeping these in mind for my Minolta X-700. Your tips are really appreciated by the community!

[@gemista]

I just got a Kodak Vigilant Junior Six-20 today. Time to chill with Willem. Thanks quarantine!

[@colejensen6397]

Hey Willem, ever thought about making a video shooting with a manual flash?? I'm really interested in it and have a few but no clue how to use them

[@ForTheViolence]

I 2nd this.

[@drew.ducote]

Def do this

[@siprturo]

I 3rd/4th that. I'd like to know how you can accurately meter for flash manually on film.

[@cmduplain]

Honestly if you just look up strobe tutorials online you can apply the same principles to film by accounting for its speed. When im shooting quickly and dont have time to calculate I typically just fire a few test flashes and gauge it with a light meter which never fails :D

[@bfs5113]

1) with flash meter (~ using an incident meter): Assuming you are in a position to use a meter, then set the meter to measure flash with remote triggering. Set the meter to the ISO (and flash sync shutter speed, for some meters) you are using. From the subject location with the meter facing the camera, press the measure button and trigger the flash to get a reading. 2) without a flash meter: Aperture = Guide Number (GN) for the ISO your are using/distance. The most difficult part is estimating the distance if the subject is far away. For example, the Metz 45 CT-4 has a GN of 148' at ISO 100, hence 148 (GN)/26 feet = f/5.6. Some flashes have a scale to look up the value. Note that one can use factional power (if available) to vary the power of a manual flash. Also, factional power reduces recycling time.

[@emirhanbahar1314]

man you seem like a really nice person. i'm not even a phorographer, i didn't even took my first shot yet but i really love to watch your videos.

[@seymourcross3316]

So happy to see you're getting more comfortable infront of the camera. I'm always excited to watch your new vids, king

[@noahheylen8981]

Thank you for keeping me busy with your videos during lockdown.

[@jalynnblanks]

I literally started watching your videos yesterday & bought a canon a1 + 50mm lens + speed lite. Your videos helps a lot !

[@EugeneMetreveli]

OMG! The first tip is life-changing!

[@kieranmorgan92]

Willem those first hacks have saved me big time, thank you from New Zealand, Stay Safe Brother !

[@josephrasbold2180]

Those photos you took in the arctic are gorgeous dude. Hope we see more of them!

[@Dr.Roughneck]

Keep those theory book recommendations coming! I picked up Camera Lucida back when you mentioned it in another video and it has forever changed how I look at a photograph.

[@wilsonuhh]

#2 is unreal. wouldn't have even considered that, love it.

[@jordi0m]

The snow picture is incredible. Wow.

[@megansalt]

I like that you smile a lot! Much needed in these hostile times, thank you!

[@alexrosello3703]

I just got into film and I find your videos very helpful thank you and your voice is really nice and helps me go to sleep

[@weilongzhao6585]

The film leader trick is very helpful!!! Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@RyanTrostle]

Tried the tip of putting water on the film to retract the other role worked great! Thanks Willem 🔥

[@pippiphooray]

Stay strong!! I appreciate the content, no matter how “exciting” you may or may not think it is.

[@MallonFilms]

Hey Willem, been watching your content for a while now, Love it !! Please do a video on how you use a flash with a film camera (and how you did this amazing shot in the snow at 8:12 !) Cheers !

[@joelhafner2989]

There are two things that will always stay true in life. Water will be wet, and Willem Verbeeck will be wearing a hoodie.

[@WillemVerb]

Lowkey wear them because they hold my lav mic nicely near my face, but also cause im staying cozy af

[@joelhafner2989]

Willem Verbeeck I feel you on the cozy front! Something tells me that hoodie sales have gone way up this month!

[@Yannick11]

And a hat

[@emilyching]

Willem Verbeeck where did u get ur hoodie from?

[@kiarneymulyono8532]

@@WillemVerb is that a magnus ronning hoodie i see?

[@johntheurer2265]

There is nothing more satisfying then a good collection of film

[@filmismorefun]

I've had to use that 'cover the lens to advance the frames' trick more times than I'd like to admit after accidentally rewinding rolls haha.

[@tommyleejohn]

Thanks for these amazing tips. I bought a Minolta x700 because of your Videos. Now I had to use the Tips 1 & 2, amazing. It worked, thanks again.

[@karvlina]

i watched this video for fun (bc i love your vids) and 3 weeks later found myself needing to use the first two hacks! amazing

[@markabeja9255]

Make a video on the process in using the manual flash!!!

[@Virodarkwinter]

I bought a 35mm camera because of your videos and all the other creators you led me to. Was excited about going out and using it and then all this covid chaos happened and I'm stuck inside :P. Really appreciate these little tip videos, if you're stuck for videos to make while we're all on lockdown I'm sure I'm not the only one who would love more of your technical insights/tips and stuff in general. Love the videos man

[@tommurphy6708]

Thank you Willem, this worked a treat!

[@GlennO1961]

The tip about one filter and different ring adapters is a real money saver! It’s actually a no-brainer but…well enough about me 😄…thanks for this and the other advice 👍

[@cristobalretondo6297]

So glad to see u again bringing top content. Stay safe, Love from Argentina.

[@dianeschuller]

wow, that first one is insanely useful! Thank you.

[@monkeeflicks]

Literally dropped everything to watch this, love your work 👌👌

[@WillemVerb]

Hope you weren't holding a camera. Thanks!

[@Josh-qb9co]

I randomly found your vids in my recommendations and started watching a couple, sooner I started to question how the pictures in the film are develop, how is picture taken on the film, is there a specific for film, and do you have to keep the film in the freezer or just somewhere where it's normally cold. Yea I just got hooked I wanna learn more also I love the way you film your videos and finally thank you

[@tomdivasion7724]

We need to know more about the zine! :D

[@WillemVerb]

Trying to post info on instagram once it starts letting me post stories again today

[@timmyd999]

I see the website has already gone into password protected mode #stealthmode

[@dizonched]

Tip Number 2 is exactly what I needed now! Thanks man!

[@haatsyuu]

Thank you for keeping us entertained

[@andraejulian]

Thanks for the tips! Keep safe and take care Willem!!

[@gianmarcomaioli]

I’ve just started making videos about film and digital photography and I have to admit that you’re my main inspiration. Thank you Willem, cheers from Florence!

[@jonpau1047]

thanks Willem ,very inspiring videos in general! good luck buddy

[@rickylee1894]

You can also retrieve the leader from the roll by inserting a negative which you paste a small piece of double sided tape on it. Then roll the film around the the glue will catch the leader..

[@bfs5113]

Have you read the method about wetting a new film leader in the mouth/spit or licking it, and then insert it into the old roll to make contact? Wait a few seconds and pull out. 😊

[@ThorbjornKommedahl]

I just was able to save a roll of Portra 400 thanks to that first trick. I had no idea that was possible. You saved me $10 during, thank you!

[@WillemVerb]

Very glad to hear :))))

[@springhassprung]

can you do a video where you show us how to use a manual flash and light meter while you’re shooting? doing this lesson while you go out and shoot would be super helpful! love your videos, they’ve been helping me get started with film :)

[@95airgabriel]

Walking Svalbard! Can't wait!

[@appealinglife]

Great work man, I recently started shooting film and I learned a lot from you!! Keep up the great work!

[@casinc.2138]

A new Willem video? Heck yes!

[@bent13.o34]

I just got into film photography because my grandpa gave me his old contax 139q. I was a complete beginner, but there are a some things that helped me get a basic understanding of what I'm doing and how it affects my developed photos. So I can only speak for SLR's, because I'm only shooting with them. The first thing that helped me was not to watch any Videos about my specific camera at first, they can be helpful if you're just looking for one specific feature or problem you have, but I think that it's much more helpful to search for your local photography stores and ask them if they could give you a basic tutorial on how to shoot with your camera. Most of the time they will help you for free if you also buy a roll of film. In my case, they even helped me with a little bit of corrosion because the old batteries leaked a bit. I think this results in a way better understanding because you can ask questions while they show you hot to shoot. After they gave me a quick tutorial and I bought my first roll of film (they also inserted it for me) I just went around and took photos of different things, some further away, some close-ups, some indoors and some outdoors. After finishing the roll, I went back to the same shop, and they developed it. Because they knew I was new to film photography, they agreed to have a look at the photos and give me some tips on what I probably was doing wrong. I have done this with the first 3 rolls I've finished, and now I know the basics of film photography and I also understand how I have to change settings on my camera to get the results I have in mind. The second benefit I have is the connection to the store. They know who I am and are willing to help me with small problems for free, because they know I spend money in this store. To really get comfortable with your camera you need more than 3 rolls of film tho. This can get very expensive if you shoot like 3-4 rolls in a week, so I went online and contacted some online stores if they have any shortly expired film they are willing to sell for cheaper. You can also find some on eBay. It will be fine tho shoot with it. After I have finished the rolls, I went to the nearest drug store and asked them if they develop film. If you find one, they will develop your film for much cheaper because they will send your film to a bigger laboratory. Of course this will not come out quite as nice as a film developed by hand, but it will help you to really get comfortable. After that, you will either be tired of photography and know it's not the right thing, or you will be caught and go on with trying new things. I think the most important thing is to really have a look at what you have done wrong on your previous roll and try to do it better on the next. Improve in small steps, and don't expect to take perfect images with the first rolls of film.

[@Ben_CoombeNz]

Hey bro picking up my first film camera tomorrow been super interesting watching your channel. Cheers Ben

[@JoshDavid]

dope! love the speedlight use with long exposures im sure those images came out super well

[@kevinmarcus625]

Willem is out here pumping that heat like always! Also, can you make a more in-depth video on the pro mist filter?

[@_ErickRangel]

Yoooo. A video on how you use your flash would be fantastic!

[@STANDRDUSER]

The first time I accidentally hit the rewind button, I was surrounded by experienced photographers, one person jokingly called out, “We’ve got training wheels here!!!”. The great thing about that moment, all of them were welcoming and some said, “Shif happens.”

[@marshalltravis3217]

Love this guy,, I see him and I click!!

[@paolamarin7819]

Willem, I have 2 questions: 1- When you travel with the Pelican suitcase, do you use it as a carry-on or do you check it as a bag? 2- Can I storage in the fridge my films even if they aren’t expired? Thanks for this video!

[@jhoang861]

Paola Marin Majority of photographers always keep their cameras on them at all times (carry-on) no matter what. Sometimes if you check as bag, there are more chances of it going missing, damaged or misplaced en route. His pelican case seems small or equivalent to a carry on suitcase, so if you decide to buy one, check the airlines to see the carry-on policies first before purchasing. As for film, expired or not, when you’re not using them, just store it in the bottom fridge. Hope this helps. Veteran photographer here;)

[@13squier]

If you're looking for an affordable awesome little flash can't go wrong with the LightPix Flash Q20. Wireless on or off camera manual flash with tilt head, optical slave, and even comes with color gels.

[@RazeenRed]

second tip is a great yet simple idea

[@TommyGrisselFilms]

Great video as always Willem, that first tip saved me a roll🙏🏼

[@kebab_boi]

Bless you Willem, I've been dying of boredom. Please make more videos ❤️

[@psycomantis95]

Great vid mate. The filter tip was the one for me.

[@HR-wd6cw]

Good advice on the storing of films in the fridge. Certainly doesn't hurt them (as long as they are still sealed up). I think a lot of people make the mistake and only do this when the expiration date is near or it's expired, but probably a good habbit to just put it in there when you get it especailly if you're in a hot environment. If you're in a moderate environment where it never gets above say 70 degrees F then it may not be as critical, but still a good habit. Obviously don't put it in the freezer (I did this once with one roll) as the fridge is more than plenty and the freezer I found can actually damage film (well, it did in my case).

[@tylerervin9899]

Could you do a video on your lighting setup for KZbin videos? Or just indoor studio lighting in general?

[@jaycielinh]

even when you're stuck inside, you're making killer content! keep it up bro

[@stinksmcgee]

I don't even shoot film, I just watch this guy because his attitude and videos are so chill. A+ youtuber.

[@isaacstacey1227]

Yaaay a new vid! R u still finding ways to shoot photos whilst staying inside?

[@Caballeroshot]

I personally use Nanuk hard cases instead of Pelican. I got a hard case with the foam inserts that's specifically sized for carry on, has roller wheels and a collapsible handle for less than $120 on amazon. It's waterproof and bright orange and the sucker will float!

[@AdiGoldsteinComposer]

Hi Willem, Thanks so much for such a great video! What is that pelican's size?

[@megzjr]

Of course we enjoyed the video (what a question), amazing content as usual from one of my favorite film photographers out there. Every time you post a video i know i am done when i listen to “peace” at the end of it :D (even watching the square space promotion lol) and yeah, cool new font 😁

[@steptrip]

Willem! Thank you for your first hack. That just happened to me when did rewind.

[@adriaivkovic9068]

I just found your channel, I love it! It is so helpful, I have always been into photography but am just getting into film.

[@foxus-a113]

You're the best. Really. Your smile also makes me feel happy, keep up the good work :)

[@DirectorNoah23]

I have that same hoodie! Love it so much

[@P--O]

Great and really inspirational video (luckily the lockdown is history (for this time at least))! Greetings from Sweden

[@austinchavers2025]

do some abstract macro photography, thats something to do indoors. Set up compositions or what ever, share your process. whether or not it is something you are familiar with. Would be really interesting.

[@WesleyVerhoevePhotography]

oooooh i didnt know about the filter adapter rings! This will help with my darn 49mm lenses

[@sans3698]

The film retrieval trick helped! thanks!

[@tylrhufm]

Rad lil' quarantine vid! Do you still have your voigtlander Bessa? Would love to see some more 35mm work.

[@stehmeyer]

"under five dollars on amazon" > looks on amazon> 629 € LOL

[@jordanjoestar8839]

We use real money. Cash money.

[@titifredie3056]

162€ over here

[@PayasoPierrot]

Also the pelican cases make amazing seats

[@eddyhoughton6542]

Great tip about the Pelican case. Don't forget, never check your films in, they will get nuked by the airport security x-rays. Always hand carry your films, even if security insist on scanning it, carry-on luggage scanners are a lot less aggressive than the check in luggage scanners.

[@willmccleland2383]

Great video! Making light of the current world situations!

[@KILLIVVN]

Scanning film and watching a Willem video 👌🏿

[@jessietse6091]

YOU ARE A LIFESAVER

[@aboutphotography]

Great video! Thank you!

[@drverano1918]

ayyyy rocking the Ronning

[@RodrigoWBlum]

Super useful tips! Very good video! Thanks Willem 😊